5G Race Intensifies: MTN, Telecel and Goal Telecom Clear Major Licensing Hurdle

Ghana’s 5G race has entered a crucial new phase as MTN Ghana, Telecel Ghana and Goal Telecommunications Ltd have successfully cleared the qualification stage of the National Communications Authority’s (NCA) spectrum licensing process.

The three companies are now set to advance to the next stage of the competitive process, bringing Ghana closer to a broader rollout of next-generation mobile connectivity.

The NCA received four applications for spectrum licences covering the 700 MHz, 2.3 GHz and 3 GHz bands by the August 27, 2026 deadline. Following its assessment, three applicants qualified, while Infrava Ltd failed to meet the requirements and was eliminated from the process.

MTN, Telecel and Goal Telecom Move Ahead

The successful applicants are Scancom Plc (MTN Ghana), Ghana Telecommunications Company Limited (Telecel Ghana), and Goal Telecommunications Ltd.

Their qualification marks a major step in Ghana’s effort to open up the 5G market to greater competition and attract additional investment into the telecommunications sector.

The next phase will focus on the Best Price Offers submitted by the qualified applicants, which will be opened and ranked as part of the spectrum selection process.

Infrava Knocked Out

While three companies have advanced, Infrava Ltd has been dropped from the race after failing to qualify at the technical and eligibility assessment stage.

The NCA said the company’s commercial offer will therefore not be opened, effectively ending its participation in the current licensing process.

Ghana Pushes for Faster 5G Rollout

The development comes as government pushes to accelerate Ghana’s transition to faster and more advanced digital connectivity.

Earlier this year, the government announced a shift away from the previous wholesale 5G exclusivity arrangement, opening spectrum allocation to a competitive national bidding process. The policy is intended to encourage competition, investment and wider access to next-generation broadband services.

The NCA has indicated that successful licence holders will be required to meet specified rollout obligations and timelines to ensure that spectrum translates into actual 5G deployment rather than simply being held as an asset.

5G Could Transform Ghana’s Digital Economy

The stakes are high as Ghana seeks to expand high-speed connectivity, improve digital services and support emerging technologies and industries.

The Communications Minister, Samuel Nartey George, has said the government expects the 5G spectrum assignment to be completed before the end of 2026, with deployment expected to follow.

Government has also set an ambitious target of achieving 70% 5G population coverage by March 2027, underscoring the urgency surrounding the licensing process.

The 5G Battle Is Now Heating Up

With MTN Ghana, Telecel Ghana and Goal Telecom through to the next stage, competition for Ghana’s 5G spectrum is entering a decisive phase.

The next major test will be the evaluation and ranking of the commercial offers, after which successful applicants will move closer to securing spectrum for expanded next-generation services.

For Ghana’s telecom sector, the 5G race is no longer just about who wants to participate—it is now about who can secure the spectrum and deliver faster, wider and more reliable connectivity to Ghanaians.